5 Reasons Why The News and Sentinel Races are for YOU

July 14, 2017 - Madison Sury

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon, 2 Mile, Junior Races, and the Tiny Tot Trot are approaching at the speed of a sprint and we hope you are ready to lace up those running shoes! July is flying by and before you know it, August will creep up on us all. You may be thinking, “Why should I run the News and Sentinel Races?”. There are SOO many reasons why this is the best race in town, and I'm here to tell you all the “good stuff” about this amazing and upcoming race.

1. Wouldn't it be awesome to tell others you're participating in an event with runners from all across the world? Last year we had runners come all the way from Russia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and many other places. To experience a diversified race that brings runners together from different areas of the world is truly the real meaning of hosting such a large event.

2.It's the only award-winning half marathon in the area! The Road Runners Club of America named it the 2015 Road Race of the Year for being a “great example of a community-based event that is well-supported by the city and residents” according to RRCA executive Jean Knaack.

3. You are able to make it a worthwhile trip. Not only will you come to race on August 19th, but the Parkersburg Homecoming is also on the day of the race! What better way to spend a Saturday than running and then relaxing at the fair and exploring historic Parkersburg. Enjoy yummy fair food, live entertainment, and much more! You ran the half marathon or 2 mile race, how could you make your weekend more worthwhile than that? You accomplished your goal of participating and hopefully smashing your personal record!

4. We all loveeee the word “amenities”, right? Well this race is the perfect spot if you are looking for some neat amenities. When you register, you will receive a state-of-the art racing t-shirt that's custom designed each year, a goody bag filled with treats, and a finisher's medal at the conclusion of the race. Also, half marathon runners get to enjoy a FREE spaghetti dinner the night before the race and a pizza lunch after. The race also supplies runners with water and Gatorade during the race, tables full of food after the race, and a massage tent available for your aches and pains to be worked out after you run. Jeesh, that was a lot, wasn't it?

5. There's always a helping hand. I know when I sign up for races, I really don't think about how much work went into putting the race together. The cast of workers and volunteers make this race a success every year and we want to make your experience as worrisome and as fun as ever. Look for volunteers wearing their sporty shirts during the race and they'll be happy to help you with anything you need. We always get a lot of emails from people wanting to volunteer and we appreciate it a bunch.

Honestly, this list could go on forever. There are so many amazing reasons to participate in this race and we hope to see your smiling face out there on August 19th! Additionally, you can bring the kiddos out on August 20th for the junior races and tiny tot trot. Visit www.newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com to register or email us at halfmarathon@newsandsentinel.com and we can mail you an entry form.